1901 $20 PR64 PCGS. The Philadelphia Mint coined 96 proof
double eagles in 1901, and most students believe that about half of
those (45 to 50 coins) still exist today in a wide range of grades.
In 1982 David Akers wrote that about 30 to 35 proofs are known.
More recently in 2006, Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth wrote: "The 1901
issue is one of the more available Type 3 double eagles in Proof,
even though there are only 40 to 50 examples known."
The certified population reports include 40 proofs submitted to
PCGS and 38 at NGC. Those 78 submissions include four Deep or Ultra
Cameo coins, 41 Cameo proofs, and 33 undesignated pieces. The
average grade of all 78 submissions is 62.5, characterizing this
piece as slightly above average.
The lemon-yellow surfaces of this Choice proof combine deeply
mirrored fields and frosty, lustrous devices that exhibit full
detail, creating a delightful cameo appearance, despite the lack of
a Cameo designation on the holder. The astute bidder may want to
consider resubmitting this piece to attain that coveted
designation. This is an important opportunity to acquire a
relatively plentiful proof Liberty double eagle with excellent eye
appeal. We expect considerable bidding activity when this beauty
crosses the auction block at our Platinum Night event during the
Central States Numismatic Society convention in Chicago in April.
Population: 8 in 64, 1 finer (3/11).(Registry
values: P1) (NGC ID# 26EN, PCGS# 9117)